間を読む（まをよむ）Conjugation
JLPT N1 · Godan verb (Group 1) · Meaning: to read the atmosphere
Full conjugation table
| Form | Japanese | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary form The base form — casual speech and the stem for many grammar patterns. | 間を読む | まをよむ |
| masu (polite present) Polite present/future affirmative. | 間を読みます | まをよみます |
| masen (polite negative) Polite present negative. | 間を読みません | まをよみません |
| mashita (polite past) Polite past affirmative. | 間を読みました | まをよみました |
| masen deshita (polite past neg.) Polite past negative. | 間を読みませんでした | まをよみませんでした |
| te-form The most versatile form — linking, requests, progressive and more. | 間を読んで | まをよんで |
| ta (plain past) Plain past affirmative. | 間を読んだ | まをよんだ |
| nai (plain negative) Plain present negative. | 間を読まない | まをよまない |
| nakatta (plain past neg.) Plain past negative. | 間を読まなかった | まをよまなかった |
| Potential Ability or possibility — 'can do'. | 間を読める | まをよめる |
| Passive Passive voice — 'to be done to'. | 間を読まれる | まをよまれる |
| Causative Causative — 'to make/let someone do'. | 間を読ませる | まをよませる |
| Volitional Volitional — 'let's…' or intention. | 間を読もう | まをよもう |
| Imperative Imperative — a strong command; used sparingly. | 間を読め | まをよめ |
| Prohibitive Prohibitive — 'don't do it!'. | 間を読むな | まをよむな |
| Conditional (ba) Hypothetical 'if' — leans written. | 間を読めば | まをよめば |
| Conditional (tara) The most versatile everyday 'if / when'. | 間を読んだら | まをよんだら |
Example sentences
- 会話の間を読んで発言する。 — Speak up by reading the pauses in the conversation.
- 間を読むのがうまい司会だ。 — She's an MC who's skilled at reading the room's timing.